The passing of intestinal gas is a normal process, but it can become unpleasant, uncomfortable, or embarrassing. Intestinal gas has two primary sources: bacteria in the intestines and air swallowed by mouth (aerophagia). Certain foods greatly increase the production of gas in the intestines by providing nutrients to gas-producing bacteria. Common gas-increasing foods include beans, beer, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, fructose, onions, prunes, red wine, and sorbitol. In general, high-fiber foods cause more gas than low-fiber ones, and, for this reason, people who switch to a whole foods diet frequently experience more gas.

Treatment of excess gas begins with treating the underlying disease, if there is one. Beyond that, general steps include avoiding gas-producing foods and minimizing habits that cause aerophagia (such as gulping of beverages). Medications such as simethicone, metoclopramide, and antibiotics may also help, although the supporting evidence to indicate that they are effective remains incomplete.

Proposed Natural Treatments

There has been little meaningful scientific investigation of natural treatments to reduce gas in people who are otherwise healthy. However, some evidence supports the use of natural treatments for reducing gas production among those with
irritable bowel syndrome
(a cluster of nonspecific intestinal complaints) or
dyspepsia
(a cluster of nonspecific stomach-related complaints).
It is likely, although not guaranteed, that the benefits seen in these studies would carry over to people without these conditions.

For example, a 4-week,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study
of 60 people with irritable bowel syndrome found that use of
probiotics
(friendly bacteria) reduced gas-related discomfort.
1
Probiotics are presumed to work by replacing gas-producing bacteria with others that are less likely to create gas.
Note
: Initial use of probiotics reportedly can increase gas production for a short time.

Beano, a product containing the enzyme beta-galactosidase, is widely available for reducing gas caused by consuming beans. This enzyme breaks down some of the gas-producing carbohydrates in beans. However, a study designed to test this substance found only weak evidence of effectiveness.
2

Activated charcoal taken by mouth may reduce the amount of flatulence, although not all studies agree.
3,4

One study in dogs indicates that a combination of charcoal,
yucca
, and
zinc
acetate significantly reduced the smell of intestinal gas, although not the amount that was released.
5
Taken separately, charcoal was the most effective of these treatments. Garments containing activated charcoal have also shown promise for reducing the odor of flatulence.
6